How Faith Turned a Double Amputee into an Unstoppable Force

In the latest episode of the Why We Believe Show, host Nathan Gwilliam welcomes Kacey McCallister, an exceptional individual whose story challenges conventional limitations. As a motivational speaker, author of the bestselling book Rise Up, and disability advocate, Kacey brings a unique perspective shaped by losing both legs in a tragic semi-truck accident at just six years old. Rather than letting this define his boundaries, Kacey embraced his parents' "nothing is impossible" attitude, developing an unshakable mindset that has enabled him to accomplish feats many would consider impossible—from wrestling to 50-mile journeys on his hands.

This conversation explores how Kacey's faith became the foundation for his resilience, examining how daily spiritual practices and reliance on the Atonement transformed potential bitterness into extraordinary purpose. From his unconventional mission experience to viral social media influence that has touched millions, Kacey's journey illustrates how faith can turn life's greatest challenges into opportunities for growth and service. For anyone facing obstacles or seeking to develop greater spiritual resilience, this episode offers practical wisdom on finding peace and living fearlessly through faith.

The Accident That Reshaped His Path  

The day that changed Kacey McCallister's life forever began with a simple church farewell service for his uncle in Roosevelt, Utah. After the meeting, standing outside in the December snow, six-year-old Kacey grew impatient as his parents talked with other congregants. Wanting to get across the street, he waited as two cars passed by, then darted forward—directly into the path of an oncoming semi-truck. Despite trying to dive at the last second, the truck caught him, rolling him through its wheels. His left leg was completely severed, and his right leg was barely attached.

While this tragedy might have broken many families, Kacey's parents showed exceptional faith and perspective. When his uncle visited the hospital the day after the accident, he was struck by the sight of the battered child and wondered why God would allow such suffering. Yet when he encountered Kacey's mother outside the room, her response was significant—she expressed gratitude that she would get to raise her son. This perspective laid the foundation for how the family would approach Kacey's recovery and future.

Rather than treating Kacey differently or limiting his expectations, his parents established early on that he would be responsible for all normal childhood activities and chores. His father's mantra became "Can't never did anything, won't never will"—words that initially frustrated young Kacey but later became the guiding philosophy of his life. This approach fostered an independent streak that would serve Kacey throughout his journey, teaching him that persistence matters more than initial skill or natural ability.

Building an Unbreakable Mindset  

From an early age, Kacey developed what he calls his "how" mindset—never questioning if he could accomplish something, but rather focusing on how he would make it happen. This approach transformed activities that seemed impossible for someone without legs into exciting challenges to overcome. When joining the cross-country team, he was initially the slowest participant but eventually won the district meet. His first wrestling season in middle school resulted in losing nearly every match, yet by senior year, he placed second in the state competition.

The transformative nature of persistence became a cornerstone of Kacey's philosophy. He frequently references Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote that "That which you persist in doing becomes easier, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that your capacity to do it has increased." This principle manifested clearly when he participated in a 50-mile backpacking trip with his Boy Scout troop. Though leaders had brought an elk cart to transport him, Kacey insisted on making the journey using his hands, showing both his physical resilience and his refusal to accept limitations.

Kacey draws direct parallels between his approach to physical challenges and spiritual growth. He recognizes that failure is an inevitable part of both physical accomplishment and spiritual progression. Just as he expects to fail repeatedly before mastering a physical skill, he understands that spiritual development requires ongoing repentance and growth. Rather than viewing failure as a sign to quit, Kacey sees it as a necessary step toward improvement—whether that's in sports, writing his book, or becoming more Christlike.

Faith Through Service and Mission  

Kacey's desire to serve a mission began early—humorously, at six years old, he told his departing missionary uncle that he was "a missionary now." Though his commitment never wavered, the path wasn't straightforward. When preparing his mission papers, leaders expressed uncertainty about whether someone in a wheelchair could fulfill the physical demands of missionary service. The solution came through a four-month "mini-mission" close to home, which allowed Church leaders to evaluate his capabilities.

His performance during this trial period was so impressive that his stake president's recommendation noted that "he outworks every missionary I've ever seen" and that "the only problem they're going to have is keeping up with him." This led to his assignment to the Tucson, Arizona Mission, where he served for two years despite the challenges of navigating desert terrain in his wheelchair. The mission experience deepened his testimony in unexpected ways—not primarily through academic scripture study, but through developing greater charity for those around him.

One meaningful missionary experience came while teaching a woman who questioned whether Christ could understand feeling completely alone. Drawing on his understanding of the Savior's experience during the Atonement, Kacey shared the scriptures describing when God withdrew His presence and Christ cried out, "Abba" (essentially "Daddy"). This emotional teaching moment became a significant spiritual experience for everyone present, helping Kacey recognize how deeply the Savior understands all human suffering and loneliness—including his own unique challenges.

From Personal Triumph to Global Impact  

Kacey's journey from overcoming personal adversity to inspiring others began evolving when he was just seven years old. Speaking at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Salt Lake City, he recognized his potential to become a motivational speaker. This early insight led him to speak at various firesides and schools throughout his youth, gradually refining his message and delivery. After returning from his mission, he committed to pursuing this calling professionally.

The digital age amplified Kacey's reach beyond anything he could have imagined. One of his videos went viral, accumulating over 100 million views and touching lives worldwide. This expanded platform has led to numerous meaningful encounters, including a group of Polynesian men at a Spartan race who recognized Kacey and told him he was their inspiration for participating. Even more importantly, he has received messages from individuals contemplating suicide who found hope through his example.

These experiences have reinforced Kacey's belief that his trials serve a greater purpose than personal growth alone. As the Sunday School teacher in his ward, he frequently finds his lessons returning to themes of love and charity. During one Easter lesson, when asking class members to identify the simplest element of the gospel, an investigator offered the perfect answer: "Love. Love's the reason." This insight has become central to Kacey's message—that God's love motivated the Atonement, and our love for others should motivate our service and sacrifice.

Finding Peace Through Faith  

When asked directly why he believes, Kacey's answer centers on peace. His patriarchal blessing identified him as a peacemaker, yet throughout his life, he often found himself wondering, "Where's my peace?" Through consistent spiritual practice and deepening his relationship with Christ, he discovered that true peace comes not from external circumstances but through following the Savior.

This peace has sustained Kacey through various trials, including recent challenges he describes as even more difficult than losing his legs. Though he doesn't detail these current struggles in the interview, he emphasizes that constant prayer and faith in the Atonement have provided the strength needed to persevere. For Kacey, the gospel isn't just a theoretical framework but a practical source of daily peace and purpose.

The transformative effects of Christ's love have become Kacey's central message as both a Sunday School teacher and public speaker. He has come to recognize that while many concepts in the gospel seem simple—particularly love—their application and impact run deep. As John 3:16 teaches, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son," and Kacey's life stands as testimony to how that divine love can enable ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Rise Up: Applying Kacey's Principles in Your Life  

Kacey McCallister's journey from a devastating childhood accident to becoming an inspiration for millions offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges. His story reminds us that our circumstances don't define our limitations—our mindset does. By embracing a "how" approach rather than questioning "if" something is possible, we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

The principles that guided Kacey's notable journey can be applied to our own lives:

• Reject the word "can't" - Follow his father's wisdom that "Can't never did anything, won't never will" by focusing on solutions rather than limitations

• Expect and embrace failure - Understand that initial failure is part of the learning process, not a signal to quit

• Persist beyond discomfort - Remember that persistence changes your capacity, not the difficulty of the task

• Seek peace through faith - Recognize that true peace comes not from perfect circumstances but perfect faith

• Find purpose in trials - Look for ways your challenges might help others facing similar struggles

As Kacey's life shows, our greatest challenges often become our greatest opportunities to serve. Whether you're facing physical limitations, emotional struggles, or spiritual doubts, the invitation is to rise up—to keep moving forward one step at a time, trusting that persistence and faith will eventually transform what seems impossible into reality.

If Kacey's message connects with you, consider sharing this episode with someone who might need encouragement. And remember his insight: peace comes not from the absence of struggles but from following the Savior through them. In your own journey, where might you need to persist just a little longer, believe a little more deeply, or love a little more completely? The answer to that question could be the beginning of your own story of rising up.